Searchers pick up signal from missing helicopter that disappeared after rescuing hiker in NM

Rescuers pick up signal from missing NM helicopter

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico authorities say they are getting an emergency transponder signal from one of their own helicopters that went missing north of Santa Fe.

Department of Public Safety spokesman Peter Olson said Wednesday morning that rescue workers had yet to reach the mountainous area where the signal was coming from.

The pilot reported trouble in his last radio transmission at about 9 p.m. Tuesday, just after picking up a lost female hiker in the ski area. A spotter was also on board.

Olson says state and Albuquerque police, search-and-rescue crews and National Guard helicopters are joining in the search.